“It always takes a little bit of a dip between Christmas and New Year’s, but there [has] still been ongoing conversations about acquisitions for players,” general manager J.J. Picollo said on Monday. “We’re in a position [where] we’ll continue to make our team better. I don’t know what shape or size or form that will come in, or what position that will be, but there’s going to be activity through the month of January and into February. We’re just going to stay on top of it. If there’s a way we can make our team better, we’re going to try to capitalize.”
The Royals would like to add one more bat, and a trade remains the best path to do so. But the likelihood of that remains to be seen. There is interest in Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, but the asking price — starting pitcher Cole Ragans — is simply too high for the Royals, and talks have stalled.
There have been extensive talks with the Cardinals about utility player Brendan Donovan, but the asking price is high, too, and there are other teams interested. The Royals would be willing to slightly overpay for Donovan, who comes with two years of contractual control. But they won’t meet the Cardinals’ ask — several top prospects and players with years of control.